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Authors:Alina Dulipovici, Dragos VieruFirst page: 661Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose This study examines how a collaboration technology is used by three organizational groups. The main focus is on the interplay between the users’ perceptions (of the technology and of the knowledge shared) and the material properties of the collaboration technology. Design/methodology/approach Two theoretical frameworks (social representations and sociomaterial practice perspective) examine collaboration technology use to better understand the underlying dynamics. The research is conducted as a case study in an US company where a collaboration technology was being implemented. Findings The findings reveal a process model showing how social dynamics and users’ perceptions of what the collaboration technology can do and cannot do to share the users’ knowledge influence the users’ behavior. Based on these perceptions, users will twist or amend their interpretation of the reality (the material properties of the technology) to justify their use of the collaboration technology. Research limitations/implications This research is conducted as a single case study. However, the significant amount of time spent at the research site allowed for a very rich description of the events and processes involved. Practical implications This study offers guidelines on what influences use and adoption of collaboration technologies. It highlights the importance of providing more than just training as social dynamics and users’ perceptions continuously influence the users’ behaviour. Originality/value By combining two complementary theoretical frameworks, this study provides a novel and more in-depth explanation of collaboration technology use (or lack thereof).Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:55 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0468

Authors:Razieh Dehghani, Raman RamsinFirst page: 682Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose This paper aims to provide a criteria-based evaluation framework for assessing Knowledge Management System (KMS) development methodologies. Design/methodology/approach The evaluation criteria have been elicited based on the features expected from a successful KMS. Furthermore, a number of prominent KMS development methodologies have been scrutinized based on the proposed evaluation framework. Findings It was demonstrated that the proposed evaluation framework is detailed and comprehensive enough to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of KMS development methodologies. It was also revealed that even though the evaluated methodologies possess certain strong features, they suffer from several shortcomings that need to be addressed. Research limitations/implications The evaluation framework has not been applied to all existing KMS development methodologies; however, the evaluation does cover the most comprehensive methodologies which exist in the research context. Practical implications The results of this research can be used for the following purposes: Organizational goal-based selection of KMS development methodologies, evolution of existing KMS development methodologies, and engineering of tailored-to-fit KMS development methodologies. Originality/value The proposed evaluation framework provides a comprehensive and detailed set of criteria for assessing general, area-specific, and context-specific features of KMS development methodologies. KMS developers can select the methodology which best fits their requirements based on the evaluation results. Furthermore, method engineers can extend existing methodologies or engineer new ones so as to satisfy the specific requirements of the project at hand.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:52 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0438

Authors:Cheng Sheng Lee, Kuan Yew WongFirst page: 711Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose To address the lack of previous studies and to propose a reliable and valid Knowledge Management Performance Measurement (KMPM) model for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A survey instrument containing 13 constructs and 49 items was initially developed and posted to small and medium sized consultancy firms in Malaysia. Reliability and validity analysis was performed to ensure the quality of the instrument. Findings The developed survey instrument was shown to be reliable, valid, and suitable to be applied in SMEs to evaluate their Knowledge Management (KM) performance. Research limitations/implications The present study is limited to SMEs in the service sector. The results are not suitable to be generalized to the manufacturing sector or larger organizations without further research. Practical implications This study would provide SMEs with a better understanding on KMPM and also a guideline to refer to when measuring their KM performance. Academics can use this study as a basic model to explore KMPM in SMEs and develop new measurement models. Originality/value This study is believed to be the first that has scientifically developed and empirically tested the constructs that represent a comprehensive KMPM model tailored for SMEs.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:18:19 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0398

Authors:Anne Burmeister, Jürgen Deller, Joyce Osland, Betina Szkudlarek, Gary Oddou, Roger BlakeneyFirst page: 735Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to add a process perspective to the literature on repatriate knowledge transfer and to understand how the knowledge transfer process unfolds in the repatriation context. Thus, this qualitative study employs existing knowledge transfer process models to assess their applicability to the context of repatriation and explain the micro-processes during repatriate knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach To provide a rich understanding of these processes from the repatriate perspective, critical incidents reported by twenty-nine German and U.S. American repatriates were content-analyzed. Findings The findings are summarized in a proposed repatriate knowledge transfer process model, which describes the roles and knowledge transfer-related activities of repatriates, recipients, and supervisors as well as their interaction during four transfer phases: assessment, initiation, execution, and evaluation. Research limitations/implications The experiences of repatriates from different geographic areas as well as the perspectives of knowledge recipients and supervisors were not studied but should be included in future research. In addition, future research could test the applicability of the identified micro-processes to different knowledge transfer contexts. Practical implications Managers can use the findings to facilitate the repatriate knowledge transfer process more effectively because the type of organizational support offered can be aligned with the changing needs of repatriates, recipients, and supervisors during the four identified phases. Originality/value This is the first study that takes a process perspective to understand repatriate knowledge transfer. The integration of the current findings with the existing literature can enable a more nuanced view on repatriate knowledge transfer.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:18:17 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-01-2015-0011

Authors:Helena Heizmann, Michael R. OlssonFirst page: 756Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to engage KM researchers and practitioners with Foucault’s power/knowledge lens as a way of thinking about and recognising the central role of power in organisational knowledge cultures. Design/methodology/approach The empirical illustrations in this paper are drawn from two qualitative studies in different professional and institutional contexts (insurance and theatre work). Both studies used in-depth interviews and discourse analysis as their principal methods of data collection and analysis. Findings The empirical examples illustrate how practitioners operate within complex power/knowledge relations that shape their practices of knowledge sharing, generation and use. The findings show how an application of the power/knowledge lens renders visible both the constraining and productive force of power in KM. Research limitations/implications Researchers may apply the conceptual tools presented here in a wider variety of institutional and professional contexts to examine the complex and multifaceted role of power in a more in-depth way. Practical implications KM professionals will benefit from an understanding of organisational power/knowledge relations when seeking to promote transformational changes in their organisations and build acceptance for KM initiatives. Originality/value This paper addresses a gap in the literature around theoretical and empirical discussions of power as well as offering an alternative to prevailing resource-based views of power in KM.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:18:13 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-12-2014-0511

Authors:Alexander Schauer, Ana Cristina Vasconcelos, Barbara SenFirst page: 770Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose This paper presents a holistic framework termed ShaRInK that depicts key categories of influences that shape individual perceptions of knowledge sharing within an organisational setting. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory and qualitative case study strategy in which empirical data were gathered from a total of 24 interviewees that were based in four different branches (i.e. China, the Netherlands, the UK and the US) of a single IT services organisation. Findings The findings led to a holistic framework that depicts four key categories of influences that shape knowledge sharing from an individual perspective: attitudes and characteristics of the sharers, relations between the sharers, institutions which act as a united entity on sharer perceptions, and knowledge itself. Furthermore, the four key influences not only shape knowledge sharing independently but are intertwined and have a synergistic effect. Combined these form the ShaRInK framework. Originality/value The findings indicate that knowledge sharing from an individual-level perspective is a more complex phenomenon than currently portrayed in the literature. All four key influences, each being fundamentally different in nature, and their relationships should be taken into account. Equally, the ShaRInK framework can be applied by organisations when developing a knowledge sharing strategy or auditing existing strategies.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:50 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-12-2014-0519

Authors:Zilia Iskoujina, Joanne RobertsFirst page: 791Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose This article seeks to add to understandings of knowledge sharing in online communities through an investigation of the relationship between individual participant’s motivations and management in Open Source Software (OSS) communities. Drawing on a review of literature concerning knowledge sharing in organisations, the factors that motivate participants to share their knowledge in OSS communities, and the management of such communities, it is hypothesised that the quality of management influences the extent to which the motivations of members actually result in knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypothesis, quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire survey of OSS web developers with the aim of gathering respondents’ opinions concerning knowledge sharing, motivations to share knowledge, and satisfaction with the management of OSS projects. Factor analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were employed to explore the survey data. Findings The analysis of the data reveals that the individual participant’s satisfaction with the management of an OSS project is an important factor influencing the extent of their personal contribution to a community. Originality/value Little attention has been devoted to understanding the impact of management in OSS communities. Focused on OSS developers specialising in web development, the findings of this article offer an important original contribution to understanding the connections between individual members’ satisfaction with management and their motivations to contribute to an OSS project. The findings reveal that motivations to share knowledge in online communities are influenced by the quality of management. Consequently, the findings suggest that appropriate management can enhance knowledge sharing in OSS projects and online communities, and organisations more generally.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:47 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0446

Authors:Li Pin Tan, Kuan Yew WongFirst page: 814Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose This study examined the effect of knowledge management (KM) on manufacturing performance and the relationships among three KM measures, namely knowledge resources, KM processes and KM factors. It also determined a collective set of KM metrics based on these three measures. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using questionnaires posted to 700 manufacturing companies in Malaysia from which 206 usable responses were obtained. The analysis and hypotheses testing were implemented using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The results showed that the constructs of knowledge resources, KM processes and KM factors have significant and direct effects on manufacturing performance. In terms of covariance, the results also indicated that these three constructs were correlated with each other. Research limitations/implications The sample over-represented large firms and the study was a cross-sectional approach that collected data at a single point in time. Practical implications The results obtained would help managers to better understand the linkage between KM and manufacturing performance. They could use the results to manipulate their KM practices in order to improve their manufacturing performance. The proposed set of KM metrics could also act as a common language and provide directions for future research. Originality/value This paper is one of the first empirical studies that has examined the relationship between KM and manufacturing performance. Furthermore, it has investigated the relationships among knowledge resources, KM processes and KM factors.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:53 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0487

Authors:Andrea Conchado, José Miguel Carot, María Carmen BasFirst page: 836Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 2015. Purpose The purpose of the current paper is to develop and validate a scale for measuring and managing the acquisition of competences provided by higher education studies. Design/methodology/approach A representative sample of Spanish graduates was obtained in the framework of the REFLEX project. In this questionnaire, a battery of 19 self - assessed items was used to measure the contribution of universities to the acquisition of generic competences. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Findings The main competences acquired in Higher Education according to Spanish graduates can be grouped as follows: (a) innovation, (b) interpersonal, (c) knowledge management, (d) communication, (e) organizational and (f) professional development. Results indicated excellent fit indexes of this six-factor model to data. Research limitations/implications This scale may be particularly useful to understand the process of transition of higher education systems according to Bologna principles. It also represents a significant contribution to the existing research in competency – based education. Practical implications This paper may help higher education institutions to identify improvement areas in their study programs. Besides, the proposed scale may offer crucial information in the determination of which Bologna principles have been successfully implemented. Originality/value Despite the recent increasing research in the field of competency-based learning and competences required in graduates’ workplaces, this is the first paper that aims to present a validated scale designed to measure graduate self - assessed competences
Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:17:44 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0447

Authors:Christina Ling-hsing Chang, Tung-Ching LinFirst page: 433Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose Knowledge is a primary resource in organizations. If firms are able to effectively manage their knowledge resources, then a wide range of benefits can be reaped such as improved corporate efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and customer service. Due to the diversity of organizational cultures (which include results-oriented, tightly controlled, job-oriented, closed system and professional-oriented cultures), the enhancement of knowledge management performance and the relationship between organizational culture and KM process intention of the individual is a very significant issue, and forms the focus of the present study. Design/methodology/approach The survey methodology, which has the ability to enhance generalization of results (Dooley 2001), was used to collect the data utilized in the testing of the research hypotheses. Findings results-oriented and job-oriented cultures have positive effects on employee intention in the KM process (creation, storage, transfer and application), a tightly-controlled culture has negative effects. Research limitations/implications However, it would have been better to use a longitudinal study to collect useful long-term data in order to understand how the KM process would be influenced when organizational culture dimensions are changed through/by management. This is the first limitation of this study. According to Mason & Pauleen (2003), KM culture is a powerful predictor of individual knowledge sharing behavior, which is not included in this study. This is thus the second limitation of this paper. Moreover, national culture could be an important issue in the KM process (Jacks et al., 2012), which is the third limitation of this paper for not comprising it. Practical implications In researchers’ point of view, results-oriented and job-oriented have positive effects while a tightly controlled culture has a negative effect on the KM process intention of the individual. These findings provide evidences that challenge the perspective of Kayworth and Leidner (2003) on this issue. As for practitioners, management has a direction to modify their organizational culture in order to improve the performance of KM process. Originality/value the results-oriented, loosely controlled and job-oriented cultures will improve the effectiveness of the KM process and will also increase employees’ satisfaction and willingness to stay with the organization.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:24 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-08-2014-0353

Authors:Pratyush Bharati, Wei Zhang, Abhijit ChaudhuryFirst page: 456Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore social media’s impact on organizational knowledge quality through the theoretical lens of social capital and resource exchange. Design/methodology/approach Theory-confirming, quantitative study using panel data collected through web-based survey Findings The results show that while social media affect structural capital and cognitive capital directly, it only affects relational capital indirectly through structural and cognitive capital. Moreover, overall social media and the enhanced social capital do help promote organizational efforts in knowledge management, which subsequently leads to higher level of organizational knowledge quality. Research limitations/implications All survey respondents were from the U.S., which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The authors also call for more research in establishing the time sequence in the proposed causal relations and in the individual level mechanism through which social media promotes organizational knowledge quality. Practical implications This study highlights both the potential and limitations of social media in promoting organizational knowledge management. Businesses must consciously manage the assimilation and use of social media to benefit from them. Originality/value The authors position the study at the intersection of social media, social capital, and knowledge management and explicate how social media work through social capital and organizational knowledge management efforts to affect knowledge quality.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:46:04 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0467

Authors:Dianne Ford, Susan E. Myrden, Tim D JonesFirst page: 476Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose In this study, competing hypotheses (a spillover hypothesis, based on Engagement Theory, and a provisioning hypothesis, based on Adaptive Cost Theory) are used to help explain why employees become disengaged from knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach Employed knowledge workers completed an online questionnaire regarding their job characteristics, their general health and wellness, perceived organizational support, job engagement, and disengagement from knowledge sharing.
Findings The findings provide empirical support for Adaptive Cost Theory and illustrate the relationship between Engagement Theory and the Disengagement from Knowledge Sharing. In particular, this research illustrates the importance of health and wellness for preventing disengagement from knowledge sharing. In addition, the findings introduce a new finding of tensions between job engagement and knowledge sharing, which supports knowledge workers’ complaints of “being too busy” to share. Research limitations/implications This study uses cross-sectional methodology; however, the participants are employed and in the field. Given the theoretical arguments that disengagement from knowledge sharing should be short-term or transient, future research should follow-up with diary methods to capture this to confirm this study’s conclusions.
Practical implications The findings of this study provide some insight for practitioners on how to prevent disengagement from knowledge sharing. New predictors and an interesting tension between job engagement and knowledge sharing are identified.
Originality/value This study examines an alternative explanation for the lack of knowledge sharing in organizations, and uses competing theories to identify the reasons for the disengagement from knowledge sharing.
Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:46:02 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0469

Authors:Minna Stenius, Nelli Hankonen, Ari Haukkala, Niklas RavajaFirst page: 497Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The study investigates cognitive antecedents of knowledge sharing (KS) by applying a belief elicitation study and embedding KS in an organizationally relevant context, work meetings. Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out in two phases: an elicitation study (n=18), and a survey (n=200) based on its findings. The method, which combines a qualitative and a quantitative approach, is frequently used in the study of other behaviors (e.g. health behaviors) when applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Findings Belief-based measures, informed by the elicitation study, were meaningful predictors of KS intentions. In line with TPB, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 47.7% of the variance in KS intentions, which together with perceived behavioral control explained 55.2% of the variance in KS behavior. Behavioral beliefs reflecting positive collective outcomes (new perspectives; knowledge diffusion/collective learning; increased interaction) were the most important predictors. Research limitations/implications Single organization and the study design limit generalizability of the results. Practical implications The findings suggest that by eliciting shared beliefs relating to specific KS behaviors, organizations may come a long way in understanding and subsequently influencing these behaviors. Originality/value This is the first study to apply TPB on KS by investigating the underlying beliefs using an elicitation study. By demonstrating its utility, the study not only lays avenue for evidence-based interventions to improve KS in organizations, but also presents a method that bridges the gap between quantitative and qualitative approaches to KS.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:45:41 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-12-2014-0523

Authors:Jessica Yip, W.B. Lee, Eric TsuiFirst page: 514Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The authors assert that different knowledge audit methodologies are needed in structured business processes (SBP) and unstructured business processes (UBP) respectively. The knowledge audit methodology used for SBP aims to identify and capture procedural knowledge, while the one for UBP aims to facilitate the sharing of experiential knowledge. The designs of audit methodologies, including elements of knowledge elicitation (KE), knowledge representation (KR), and role of auditor (RA) for SBP and UBP, are proposed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach Two knowledge audit cases studies were conducted. The first case was conducted in a SBP, and the second one in an UBP. The first case provides a view of a typical knowledge audit in SBP, the limitations are identified. The second case pinpoints the development of a new knowledge audit methodology applicable for UBP is developed. Findings A significant differentiation between knowledge audits in SBP and UBP is that the knowledge to be captured in the former is procedural knowledge, whereas that to be elicited in the latter is experiential knowledge. The deliverables in the former include lists of knowledge workers, knowledge assets and knowledge inventories, and in the latter includes the interplay of interaction between activities, stakeholders and knowledge displayed in the form of a knowledge activity network. Originality/value This research clarifies and strengthens the position of the knowledge audit by illustrating two knowledge audit methodologies for respective use in SBP and UBP. It points out that the fundamental difference of knowledge audit approaches is attributed to the different knowledge requirements. To cater the different knowledge requirements, the authors asserted that three basic components of the knowledge audit, namely knowledge elicitation (KE), knowledge representation (KR) and the role of the researcher (RR), should be customized.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:07 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0420

Authors:Maurizio Massaro, John Dumay, Andrea GarlattiFirst page: 530Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose This paper reviews and critiques the public sector knowledge management (KM) literature, offers an overview of the state of public sector KM research and outlines a future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach Articles published in KM journals are analyzed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper analyzes 180 papers published within 10 journals specializing in the field of KM. Findings Public sector KM is a research area of growing importance. Findings show that few authors specialize in the field and there are several obstacles to developing a cohesive body of literature. Low levels of international co-operation among authors and international comparisons mean that the literature is fragmented. Some research topics and some geographical areas within the public sector theme are over-analyzed, while others are under-investigated. Additionally, academic researchers should re-think their methodological approach if they wish to make significant contributions to the literature and work towards developing research which impacts practice in conjunction with practitioners. Originality/value The paper presents a comprehensive structured literature review of the articles published in KM journals. The paper’s findings can offer insights into future research needs.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:46:10 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0466

Authors:Stavros Sindakis, Audrey Depeige, Eleni AnoyrkatiFirst page: 559Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose This study explores the role of knowledge management practices in supporting current and emerging passengers’ and customer needs, aiming to create value. Specifically, the research examines the importance of customer-centered knowledge management in the delivery of innovative services and practices in the public transport sector, promoting the role of interactions between mobility stakeholders and travelers. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical framework is developed and supported by background literature on customer-centric knowledge management approaches, business model innovation, as well as on inter-organizational and network cooperations. Findings Results show that the development of sustainable innovation and technologies in the transport sector requires knowledge management practices, which enable the access to knowledge about users’ needs, the mapping and evaluation of innovative knowledge, the promotion of knowledge-based innovation through collective approaches, as well as the acquisition and integration of new knowledge. Research limitations/implications The conceptual framework developed in the paper remains limited to a theoretical understanding. Further research should empirically examine knowledge issues related to the intangible character and intellectual capital intensiveness of innovation in the transport sector. Practical implications Researchers, public transport companies, and public transport authorities are expected to benefit from this research, by developing mechanisms for customer-centered knowledge management, which is found to lead to innovative services and practices in the public transport sector. Another practical implication regards the adoption of knowledge management practices, leading to technological innovations in public transport, and advancing the level of sustainability in transport systems. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the development of a customer-focused knowledge management framework, which provides a novel perspective of value creation in an attempt to engage researchers and practitioners from the transport industry in the conceptualization and development of innovative solutions.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:46:01 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0046

Authors:Denise Bedford, Frances HarrisonFirst page: 579Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the level of knowledge management activity underway in the transportation sector. The environmental scan highlighted common business drivers for knowledge management across transportation agencies. Design/methodology/approach The project team used outreach methods, environmental scanning techniques, targeted interviews constructed around amplifying questions to identify stakeholders. A two-day workshop was sponsored where stakeholders could discuss common business interests and exchange knowledge management practices. Findings The environmental scan methodology was successful and will be carried over to two other economic sectors in the coming year. The identification and elaboration of business drivers through the amplification process was a valuable contribution. Sharing of knowledge management practices was highly effective because the participants were working from a common set of business drivers. Research limitations/implications This activity has implications for other sectors. Well designed environmental scans of knowledge management programs and initiatives can identify stakeholders for intra-sector communities of practice. These communities of practice provide a support network for knowledge professionals working within organizations, provide the input for intra-sector KM research agendas, and a collaborative action plan for moving that agenda forward. Practical implications The workshop participants identified six action items to advance the practice of knowledge management within their institutions. Originality/value The authors believe the scan approach provides a new and valuable approach to encouraging the practice of knowledge management in the field of transportation. The authors also suggest that this approach may be used effectively in other sectors to promote the discipline.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:45:53 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-01-2015-0004

Authors:Antonio-Luis Gamo-Sanchez, Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-NavarroFirst page: 593Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The air transport system has undergone important changes, particularly in the development of new knowledge management approaches. In practice, however, results have been mixed. Some programs have been successful, but implementation failures are common and the intended users are frequently reluctant to use such management structures. A possible explanation for efficiency and effectiveness gaps of services provided by these knowledge structures may relate to the advantages and disadvantages of the knowledge processes that airports highlight as a result of their differential structural properties. This paper investigates the nature of what is referred to as the Knowledge Management Engineering & Maintenance Program, which is based on practices that influence the dissemination of knowledge in a structured and sustained manner within a small-sized airport. Design/methodology/approach Using data collected from the Engineering & Maintenance Department at a Spanish Airport, this work has examined how the existence of some knowledge structures are linked to knowledge transfer and how this component is linked to customer service (external users (e.g. passengers) and internal users (including any airport staff)). Findings This paper reports a Knowledge Management Program, which is customized and based on four knowledge structures: (1) technical infrastructure; (2) people to facilitate and drive the process; (3) a system that supports and rewards sharing; and (4) the team leader. Research limitations/implications Conducting this type of single case study (an interview-based case study approach) is to be understood foremost as a prelude to further quantitative studies including common measures for passengers and users, staff, managers and board members. Originality/value In an applied sense, the model provides engineering & maintenance practitioners with identifiable factors, which enable the four frameworks and address the relevant issues by changing strategies at both the individual and the organizational levels. Without a knowledge management program, practitioners may lose the ability to see the market signals stemming from the transport system members, and they may decide to go solely by their own ways of doing and interpreting things.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:32 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0052

Authors:Manlio Del Giudice, maria rosaria della peruta, Vincenzo MaggioniFirst page: 611Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The present research investigates, inside the private sector of transport, a model for the diffusion of knowledge sharing technologies with non-uniform internal influence that has been developed by Easingwood, Mahajan & Muller (1983). Design/methodology/approach Authors performed an empirical evaluation of the performances of the model by Easingwood et al. (1983) by analyzing data gathered from almost 230 taxi drivers joining two of the biggest taxi brokers operating in the Southern Italian city of Naples. Findings Such an analysis reveals that the model by Easingwood et al. (1983) provides an excellent agreement with the empirical data, and allows to obtain interesting predictions on the future evolution of the sector performances in terms of increasing use of knowledge sharing technologies within the taxi drivers’ community of practice. Research limitations/implications In particular, the authors show that a unique solution does always exist, which is defined on the whole (positive) set of times, and in the long run tends to a steady state equilibrium. A first limit of the present research is certainly the use of a sample restricted to the taxi companies from only one city: future investigations should consider a larger sample by interviewing taxi companies from multiple regions as well. Another limit is that the model performed does not take into account all the factors influencing the diffusion of knowledge sharing technologies within the community of practice. Finally, the research design is not considering the impact of the diffusion of knowledge sharing technologies on the customer relationship management. Originality/value The research shows the application of a valid model both for evaluating the diffusion of technologies for sharing knowledge within a community of practice and for estimating its development trend. It represents the first original study in Italy that empirically investigates the diffusion of technological innovations for the knowledge management in an industry typically dominated by tacit codes of knowledge sharing: the taxi companies.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:20 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0047

Authors:Osvaldo Cairo, José Sendra Salcedo, J. Octavio Gutierrez-GarciaFirst page: 626Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose The objective of this paper is to devise a crowdsourcing methodology for acquiring and exploiting knowledge in order to profile unscheduled transport networks for design of efficient routes for public transport trips. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes daily travel itineraries within Mexico City provided by 610 public transport users. In addition, a statistical analysis of quality-of-service parameters of the public transport systems of Mexico City was also conducted. From the statistical analysis, a knowledge base was consolidated to characterize the unscheduled public transport network of Mexico City. Then, by using a heuristic search algorithm for finding routes, public transport users are provided with efficient routes for their trips. Findings The findings of the paper are as follows. A crowdsourcing methodology can be used to characterize complex and unscheduled transport networks. In addition, the knowledge of the crowds can be used to devise efficient routes for trips (using public transport) within a city. Moreover, the design of routes for trips can be automated by SmartPaths, a mobile application for public transport navigation. Research limitations/implications The data collected from the public transport users of Mexico City may vary through the year. Originality/value The significance and novelty is that the present work is the earliest effort in making use of a crowdsourcing approach for profiling unscheduled public transport networks in order to design efficient routes for public transport trips.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:50 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0053

Authors:Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Siraj A Shaikh, Harsha Kumara Kalutarage, Mahsa JahantabFirst page: 641Abstract: Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 19, Issue 3, May 2015. Purpose This paper contributes towards understanding how safety knowledge can be elicited from railway experts for the purposes of supporting effective decision making. Design/methodology/approach A consortium of safety experts from across the British railway industry is formed. Collaborative modelling of the knowledge domain is used as an approach to the elicitation of safety knowledge from experts. From this a series of knowledge models is derived to inform decision making. This is achieved by using Bayesian networks as a knowledge modelling scheme underpinning a safety prognosis tool to serve meaningful prognostics information and visualise such information to predict safety violations. Findings Collaborative modelling of safety-critical knowledge is a valid approach to knowledge elicitation and its sharing across the railway industry. This approach overcomes some of the key limitations of existing approaches to knowledge elicitation. Such models become an effective tool for prediction of safety cases by using railway data. This is demonstrated using Passenger-Train Interaction safety data. Practical implications This study contributes to practice in two main directions: by documenting an effective approach to knowledge elicitation and knowledge sharing, while also helping the transport industry to understand safety. Originality/value This research applies a knowledge elicitation approach to understanding safety based on collaborative modelling, which is a novel approach in the context of transport.Citation: Journal of Knowledge ManagementPubDate: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:47:54 GMTDOI: 10.1108/JKM-02-2015-0078